Religious Education of elementary-age children is the largest program in Family Life at College Church. Family involvement is a major focus of the program. The parents serve as teachers. Our parish is committed to providing the highest quality religious education for our children. We believe in the teamwork of teachers, students, and parents, at home and in the classroom. We ask that all parents assist with the program.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Word for Children provides an opportunity for children in grades Kindergarten through seven to experience God's presence in the proclamation of the Word during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Liturgy. The children are called forward after the Opening Prayer. After the Presider greets the children they process into the Parish Center where they are divided up into four groups according to their grade level. The children return to the congregation following the Prayers of the Faithful. Any child of school age is welcome to attend. No registration is required. There is no Liturgy of the Word for Children during the months of June, July and August. The leaders of Liturgy of the Word for Children are parishioners who serve on a rotational basis.

Preparing for Sacraments

The Sacramental life of our children is important. Preparation for First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation is integrated into the Religious Ed program. A belief in and understanding of the communal nature of the sacramental life of the parish are woven into the fabric of our program. In light of this, the importance of service to the community is emphasized as the students participate in various community projects throughout the year. Attendance is critical. Parental follow-up at home is essential to the success of the program.

Classes are held three/four Sundays a month from September through May. Students and parent-teachers meet from 9:15 a.m to 10:20 a.m. on those Sundays.

The Children and Youth Faith Formation Ministry at College Church seeks to nourish and affirm family life in a variety of ways. We offer: Baptism Preparation, Religious Education classes for grades Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word for children ages 5 to 13, a High School Youth Group and a Nursery program for our youngest parish members. We also have SFX Connections, a speaker series for parents, and offer parenting groups and small discussion groups when needed.

For more information about any of these programs, contact Angie Doerr at 314-977-7302 or adoerr3@slu.edu.

St. Francis Xavier

College Church is a Jesuit parish on the campus of Saint Louis University. We, the members of St. Francis Xavier College Church, form a welcoming Jesuit parish community. As followers of Jesus Christ, we praise God, love our neighbors as ourselves, celebrate liturgy and the sacraments, engage in lifelong formation and proclaim God’s reign of justice, mercy and peace.